I know this is a ‘safari’ blog, but anyone who rates a safari as a perfect holiday, I’m sure will appreciate some tips on a lovely outdoorsy Family Summer in the English Countryside.
Living in Kenya, my sister & I decided to take the three ankle-biters to the UK for a Family Summer in the English Countryside. Slightly dreading the prospect, it turned out to be a roaring success and here is why … Nope we didn’t go the Legoland and Peppapig World route, we rather went the more natural route and we had a blast. Go on, do it, next summer … It’s not extortionate and just so much fun!
We based ourselves for much of the time at the most delicious Duck Cottage – Oxenwood, A perfect little ‘rustic meets luxury’ little guest cottage with two delicious bedrooms, ideal for those of us stupid enough to travel with over-energetic young children. Nestled in the midst of the delumptious Wiltshire hills so very close to Heathrow as well as the market town of Marlborough, the quaint Hungerford, Highclere Castle and the child-heaven Cobbs Farm … in my opinion, a little day trip to Birdworld is also worth it.
We never went to Bowood House & Gardens, Tractor Ted or Winchester Science centre .. oh we will next summer though.
On the days you need to chill, you can feast on the fresh eggs for breakfast, the kids can charge around the wee farm playing with Pixie the pony, Nelly & Nora the piggies or the waddling ducks or you can all stride out for glorious walks and rural adventures in the surrounding countryside .. gosh Tors, the gorgeous owner even brought out a water-slide one day! At the end of the day, there’s a lovely little kitchen where you can cook your supper, a little fire outside to sit by before you climb into the finest French bedlinen at night.
Pssst. In London, we loved the Aquarium, the London Eye (well one person did!), Gifford Circus was an incredibly enjoyable outing, feeding the swans on the Serpentine, the duckbus, a picnic next to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, all good, wholesome wildlife, wilderness, outdoorsy stuff.
Practicalities:
Duck Cottage – Oxenwood – The very best little 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom cottage for a family to stay in, if you’re looking for countryside. It is owned by the gorgeous and super-fun Tors who is the hostess with the mostess. Tors lives in the main house on the same land, with her husband Tom and 3 kids (about 6,9,11). We will be back.
The Marlborough area – As long as you have a car, the world is your oyster, lovely little villages nearby ideal for shopping trips, great activities for kids, lovely outdoor pubs .. or larger cities like Reading for some serious retail therapy!
For those travelling with kids – If you’re looking for somewhere cozy and lovely to stay with space, this is ideal.
For those who live in East Africa – this is a perfect summer holiday.
Weather – This is England .. who knows?
What to Pack? – As little as possible to allow for some serious retail therapy.
Price – One bedroom £90.00 per night including continental breakfast. Two bedrooms £140.00 per night including continental breakfast. Rates for longer stays are indeed greatly reduced – please contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
My advise – As long as you have a car, this is a lovely little place to stay on your summer holiday …. or in the winter for that matter!
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